The bill called for a minimum wage of $12.50 an hour to be paid by retail stores of more than 75,000 square feet that exceed $1 billion in annual sales. The current minimum wage in Washington is $8.25.

Gray said the legislation was “well intentioned but flawed,” saying it would cost the city jobs while benefitting only a small number of workers. Gray instead called on the council to pass a higher minimum wage for all workers.